3rd day, 1st day after R/B, Neulesta and Platelets

[Teobeck]

Saw Hematologist at Emory Winship after giving blood for update 1 day after chemo. Dr. said nodes are already diminishing. Scheduled me for every Monday for a month to monitor whites and platelets. Sent me on to IFR for Neulesta. I learned it is a shot, and had a choice of belly or arms, chose left arm. Totally painless injection. Then received a bag of platelets. Painless. I took Claritin in the AM before procedure, as advised, to mitigate any bone pain from the Neulesta. And, subsequently, had no bone pain so far. I did take a 3 hr nap later. I'm almost 79 with follicular stage IV. I made these 3 posts so that scared others who haven't had first treatment would see that at least one other scared person did not suffer any side effects nor pain other than chills on Rituxan. Dr. explained that was from destruction of cancer cells; lasted 10 minutes. A quick dose of benadryl stopped that.

Before diagnosis, I had no pain from the bone biopsy in hip. I was very healthy for 78 years before diagnosis, but had pneumonia twice in same year before diagnosis. I went on a ketogenic (low carb, high fat) diet 10 months before diagnosis, and BP, lipids and BMI went to normal or better after losing 35 lbs. I supplemented with Vitamins D, B Complex, magnesium, CoQ10, probiotics and prebiotic fibre. Glucose went to 75.

Emory Nutritionist said it should bode well for tolerating chemo, and it did.

I read these boards every day, and truly empathize with everyone suffering and their caregivers. I have learned so much here. I wish you all the most blessed outcome possible.

[jmcobb50]

Thank you for sharing and pray that you continue to do well. This is very good news for those of us who have not required treatment yet.

[Cjisok]

Thank you for your positive update. 8/2017 and I am on W/W so it takes some “worry” out of the equation. Your positive attitude is terrific. Thanks, CJ

[Shar0n Volunteer]

More power to you! I'm doing similar with my diet and supplements and it's good to know it seems to mitigate the side effects if I ever need chemo. Thanks for the update.

[Andilynn]

Thank you for your updates Teobeck. Your posts are encouraging and informational to our group. Praying that you continue doing well on your journey to renewed good health.

[BelindaTupper]

So glad to hear you are tolerating treatments so well. Thanks for sharing. It does help others when they can gain different perspectives. Hope things continue to go well for you.

[JeanL54]

I am happy it is going well for you. I am 64 and had follicular lymphoma in 2011 - 7 years this month since diagnosis. I did the Bendamustine/Rituximab treatments as well and everything went very well. Lots of prayer in there too!! The treatments are not as bad as we imagine they will be before starting them. I pray you keep improving and those tumors shrink down to nothing. Take care and keep up the good work. By the way, I am still healthy and doing great!! I feel better than before I was diagnosed... Thank you Lord.

All the best to all going through treatments!!

[Teobeck in reply to JeanL54]

I'm a serious believer also, and have always believed all good comes from The Lord. Thanks for responding.